Thinking About Drinking: The Impact of Consistent Social Drinking

Alcohol, and alcohol consumption, is a fraught topic. For many, enjoying a drink is an accepted social habit—part of weekends with friends or vacation travel. Social drinking may even be expected as part of post-work events with colleagues. A 2023 study by the World Health Organization, however, took a definitive position on this question, stating that no amount of alcohol is safe to consume.

You know that consuming alcohol in excess is not supportive of good health. However, how do you navigate alcohol consumption in smaller amounts, but on a regular basis? In this article, we will look at the definitions of excess alcohol consumption and consider the health impact of the less-discussed – but more prevalent - consistent social drinking taken in the context of these newer findings around the impact of consuming alcohol.

Defining Alcohol Consumption

Binge drinking is typically defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time. For men, this usually means five or more drinks within two hours; for women, four or more drinks in two hours. The goal isn’t just drinking—it’s getting drunk. This pattern might happen once a week, every few weeks, or more frequently.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that is characterized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR),2 as “a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.” Previously, AUD has been referred to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and, colloquially, alcoholism. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of symptoms experienced in the previous 12 months. Some signs of AUD include excessive alcohol consumption, the inability to reduce/control alcohol use, a strong desire to use alcohol and that the recurrent use of alcohol results in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.

Consistent social drinking refers to consuming alcoholic beverages on a regular basis, whether daily, weekly, or on another repeating pattern. This is not heavy drinking as seen in binge drinking or AUD, but rather a steady intake of alcohol like having a glass of wine while making dinner followed by a second glass of wine with dinner. Or consuming alcohol as part of regular or recurring professional commitments (business trips, dinner meetings, work-related special events, weekly gatherings for drinks etc.). It might mean alcohol consumption as a routine part of social gatherings like book groups or poker nights. It might mean all the above in a typical week. That steady pace, combined with the acceptance of social drinking, is what makes this form of alcohol consumption seem reasonably benign, or moderate.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, moderate alcohol intake for men is two drinks or fewer per day. For women, one drink or fewer per day. Drinks are defined as:

• 12 ounces of beer with 5% alcohol by volume
• 8 ounces of malt liquor with 7% alcohol by volume
• 5 ounces of wine with 12% alcohol by volume
• 1.5 ounces of liquor or distilled spirits at 80 proof with 40% alcohol by volume.

Why Be Concerned? Impacts of Consumption

In the recent past, the consumption of red wine was considered health protective for a variety of reasons. More recent research suggests the opposite is true. And, that consistent social drinking has more significant health impacts than was believed, including increasing the risks of breast, colon, liver and oral cancers, cognitive decline, where the foundation is laid early and manifests later in life, and cardiovascular health challenges, including increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

When you drink alcohol, it passes quickly into your bloodstream and travels to every part of your body. Alcohol does not digest, like food does. Your body takes the ethanol present in an alcoholic beverage and turns it into the chemical acetaldehyde, which can damage your DNA. Many tissues in the body, including those noted above, are susceptible to this harm. And when that DNA gets repaired, cancerous mutations may arise.

If you are going to drink, how can you minimize the impact of alcohol on your health? Consider these strategies when making an informed choice about what you plan to drink. Look at your alcohol choice’s ABV (alcohol by volume). Manufacturers are required to list it on the bottle. Consider choosing the product with the lowest ABV. Beer typically has a lower ABV than wine per ounce. Wine typically has a lower ABV than distilled spirits per ounce. Discerning the ABV of creative cocktails, when more than one type of alcohol may be included is more difficult. Sticking with wine or beer is more reliable.

When Saying ‘No’ is Difficult

Saying no to consistent social drinking can be tricky, especially when there is pressure or the expectation that you will ‘join in the fun’. But it’s possible to limit your own consumption with confidence and with respect for the differing opinions of others.

One of the easiest things you can do is make your drink a mocktail. Or a non-alcoholic beer. Alcohol-free beverages are gaining in popularity, giving you more and better-tasting options that you can enjoy with others.

There are effective ways to say ‘no thanks’ without making it awkward or confrontational. Here are a few ideas:

• “No thanks, I’m good.”
• “I’m not drinking tonight.”
• “I’m taking a break from alcohol.”
• “I’ve got an early morning tomorrow.”

These are short and to the point—most people won’t press you if you deliver these messages with confidence.